Kuching: Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, has called on local councils to take immediate and decisive action to remove illegal loan shark advertisements that continue to endanger the public.
Michael Kong highlighted the case of a man, Mr. Ting, who recently sought his help after falling victim to an unscrupulous moneylender.
According to Michael Kong, Mr. Ting was coerced into signing documents acknowledging a loan of RM100,000, though he only received RM60,000.
“To make matters worse, the loan shark demanded possession of his car as ‘guarantee’ for repayment. When I asked how he came into contact with this loanshark, Mr Ting said he had obtained the number from one of the illegal advertisements pasted on street poles.
“This is precisely why these advertisements must be removed promptly. They are dangerous traps that lure unsuspecting individuals into the clutches of predatory moneylenders,” Kong said in a statement.
He stressed that the impact of such illegal lending extends far beyond financial loss, often affecting victims’ families, livelihoods, and mental well-being.
Kong also criticised local councils for their lack of proactive measures, saying that the excuse of having too few enforcement officers was no longer acceptable.
“Councils have numerous contractors who already carry out grass cutting, drain cleaning, and maintenance works. These contractors can easily be tasked to remove such illegal advertisements as part of their duties,” he said.
Kong urged the authorities to act swiftly to prevent more people like Mr. Ting from falling prey to loan sharks.
“The councils have the authority, the manpower, and the responsibility to remove these advertisements. What is needed now is the will to act,” he added.
